The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Aristocrat Abigail Heyworth has never fit comfortably in her skin, but she’s decided it’s well past time to create a life; self-made American millionaire Eliot Cranbrook wants everything from Abby, which is hard since she’s not sure what that is.

The youngest daughter of a duke, Abby has never felt like she truly belonged anywhere. Just coming off a 10-year relationship that has run its course, Abby is ready to settle in and figure out exactly what she wants to do with her life. However, she is not ready for another serious relationship, or at least she doesn’t think she is. She’s been getting close to Eliot Cransbrook, an American luxury brands magnate, and while she thinks she wants to take things beyond the friendship stage, she is disconcerted by the intensity of their connection and the look in his eyes that seems to want far more than she is able to give. As the two circle each other, sexual awareness blazing between them, Abby begins to feel that her feelings for Eliot are all or nothing, and she’s not sure which is more frightening. Mulry is a sizzling writer, and her way with words and sigh-worthy romantic highs, not to mention scorching sexual tension, is dynamic and elegant.

A clever, intense read marred by a few mechanics issues, including some distracting head-hopping. However, these flaws are minor compared to the quality of the story and storytelling.

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